Chinese Zodiac Meanings

Shengxiao, also known in English as the Chinese Zodiac, is similar to Western astrology. It is represented by a circle of 12 animals and is based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Each calendar year is assigned to a certain animal and its associated attributes according to a 12-year mathematical cycle. The zodiac animals were carefully chosen for their lucky meanings and how they related to ancient Chinese people’s daily lives. The 12 Chinese Zodiac animals are in a fixed order according to Chinese Yin and Yang Theory. The yin or the yang of the animals was based on the odd or even number of their claws, toes or hoofs and they are arranged in a “harmonious” order.

The Rat is known for intelligence, adaptability, quick-wit, charm, being sociable and artistic. Its element is Water. Years of the Rat 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936

The Ox is known for loyalty, reliability, thoroughness, strength, being reasonable, steady, and determined. Its element is Earth. Years of the Ox 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937

The Tiger is known for enthusiasm, courageousness, ambition, leadership, confidence, and charisma. Its element is Wood. Years of the Tiger 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938

The Rabbit is considered trustworthy, emphatic, modest, diplomatic, sincere, sociable, and great caretakers. Its element is Wood. Years of the Rabbit 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939

The Dragon is considered lucky, flexible, eccentric, imaginative, artistic, spiritual, and charismatic. Its element is Earth. Years of the Dragon 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940

The Snake is considered to be organized, intelligent, philosophical, intuitive, elegant, attentive, and decisive. Its element is Fire. Years of the Snake 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941

The Horse is considered loyal, courageous, ambitious, adaptable, intelligent, adventurous, and strong. Its element is Fire. Years of the Horse 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942

The Goat is known for being crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, and calm. Its element is Earth. Years include 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943

The Monkey, often depicted holding a peach which represents longevity, is considered to be quick-witted, charming, bright, versatile, lively, lucky, adaptable, and smart. Its element is Metal. Years include 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944

The Rooster is known for honesty, energy, intelligence, flamboyance, flexibility, diversity, and confidence. Its element is Metal. Years of the Rooster 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945

The Dog is considered to be loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, and smart. Its element is Earth. Years of the Dog 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946

The Pig is considered to be honorable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, and very sociable. Its element is Water. Years of the Pig 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947